Goss International says it won’t be an exhibitor at mediaXchange, the newly-launched US newspaper industry show and the NAA replacement for Nexpo, being held in Las Vegas in March. Instead the company, which is reported to be shedding 200-250 staff from its US facilities, will focus on other events and activities as part of an “extensive trade show and industry event schedule” in 2009. Newly-appointed chief executive Jochen Meissner says Goss was one of the largest and most consistent participants throughout the history of the ANPA and NEXPO shows: “This year, with the new format and focus, we are not certain mediaXchange will be the most effective venue for presenting our press systems and newspaper packaging solutions or our Goss Lifetime Support programs for existing equipment,” he says. Goss will take part in almost 50 industry shows and events worldwide in 2009 including Australia’s PacPrint09 in May and the Print show in Chicago in September. Meissner says Graph Expo and Print are viewed as the primary North American shows for the company’s full portfolio – which includes Ferag products - for commercial, newspaper and combined applications. “Production requirements are converging,” he says. “A large, comprehensive show gives publisher and printers an opportunity to evaluate and discuss a full range of equipment options to meet their specific needs." Goss says it will supplement its 2009 trade show schedule with its own equipment demonstrations and technology seminars for smaller, targeted groups.